Amy Marquardt – Page 4

Author: Amy Marquardt

31
Aug
2016

Easy Canvas Prints

categories: Reviews

Easy Canvas Prints has decided to extend a 80% off offer to our readers so be sure to take full advantage of this great pricing.

If you’re like me, I love decorating my home with canvas prints! Back when we lived in Australia, we had our ‘go-to’ Canvas Prints Brisbane supplier! They were pretty amazing! In fact, even though we’re back in the USA we may still occasionally order from them! Recently, we’ve been looking into how we can get canvas photo prints that make our home unique and have a personal feel. I have always loved the look of a gallery wall with canvas prints but I had no idea how easy this look was to achieve and that I could get my canvas prints cheaper than the cost of printing photos and buying a frame. Canvas Photo Prints make thoughtful gifts, some of my first canvas prints were a Christmas gift to my brother and his wife of pictures of their children at my wedding. Last year my husband got me a 3 canvas wall display (this meant more to me than anything, since it appears that he does listen when I talk and that he chose one of my favorite wedding photos and my favorite newborn photo of our daughter). It means so much more to me to have my house decorated with my photos and my memories.
If you’d like to share these memories with family members and friends, there’s many places you can buy a range of refurbished photocopiers cheaper than new, and in just as good condition!

This Mamas Experience

Easy Canvas Prints makes designing your prints so simple, their website navigates you through the whole process . First deciding if you want one print or a wall display. I have used both options, the nice thing about the wall displays is that they help you design the layout and they even provide you with a blueprint to make hanging easy (including telling you exactly where to place your nail, we all know I have a fear of unneeded nail holes). If you choose to do a single print they have 10 different sizes to pick from or you have the option to customize your size. Next choose your wrap, standard .75″, Gallery 1.5″ (all my canvas prints are gallery wrap). You also have the option of getting your canvas framed or the option of stretching the canvas yourself and just get your print on a rolled canvas. Easy Canvas Prints makes choosing a photo simple by giving you the option to choose from your library of photos on your computer or accessing albums on Facebook or Instagram. They let you know of your image quality and make “editing” easy with user friendly zoom options as well as choosing which direction your canvas will hang. Finish your order by choosing the display options (I chose open back) and your border. I like the mirror border, so my image is wrapped around the sides of my canvas without loosing some of my photo. Be sure to double check your image after adding the border, especially if you choose to have it wrap the sides.

My canvas prints from Easy Canvas Prints are stretched onto a wood frame and are high quality. The prints themselves are clear and beautiful, not pixelated (which is always my fear when blowing up a photo, that’s why I love the image quality check that Easy Canvas Prints offers).

I must say that Easy Canvas Prints is simple straight forward website (I would trust my not computer savvy mom to be able to navigate this site and be able to order a canvas). Although I did receive a canvas print in exchange for this review I assure you that I have purchased from Easy Canvas Prints in the past and will continue to order from them. Next I think I will use their Instagram feature and print one of my vacation photos on a 8×8 canvas.

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20
Aug
2016

Boolik Easy Roll Parchment Paper

categories: Reviews

I have a serious love for parchment paper. I enjoy nothing more than cooking and baking and trying new recipes but hate having to clean up the kitchen afterward. So when I found out parchment paper could not only save me time cleaning up but save my sanity over scrubbing my baking sheets, cupcake pans and my glass baking dishes I was hooked. Since then I have found even more uses for parchment paper (thanks to pinterest).

I have tried so many brands and I must say Boolik Easy Roll stands out for so many reasons. Let’s start with the nice this cardboard packaging. There is nothing worse than a cheap box that buckles under the pressure of trying to rip out a piece of paper. There are also push flaps on the sides of the box that lock the paper in place making ripping a even piece easy. The parchment paper itself is the thickest I’ve ever used and has a extra layer or silicone making it truly nonstick, I feel this is why I love it so much. It is FDA approved and microwave and oven safe for clean baking and healthy cooking.
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Now let me share some of my favorite ways I use my Boolik Parchment Paper. Obviously I use it for baking. I line all my cookie sheets in parchment paper, not only do I not need to grease my pan anymore my clean up takes seconds. Bonus Boolik Parchment Paper is top of the line, I’m able to use the same sheet a few times.

I didn’t stop with baking sheets, I stepped it up a notch and us my Boolik Parchment Paper to line my glass baking dishes as well. I do spray the bottom of my baking dish with cooking spray to keep the paper in place. This works beautifully for casseroles, meatloaf, lasagna and especially brownies since you can pull the brownies out with the paper and easily divide; no more crumbly misshaped brownies.

One of the cutest ways to use parchment paper I discovered by accident. While baking cupcakes late one night I ran out of cupcake liners. Since I hate nothing more than prying cupcakes out of the pans I searched pinterest for cupcake liner alternatives. That’s when I found it, Parchment Paper! Why hadn’t I thought of it myself. There’s no looking back, I am able to make my cupcakes or muffins look like they came straight from the bakery. Making cupcake liners is easy, I cut my parchment paper into 5×5 squares and mold them over the top of a small glass, then simply place in my muffin pan and fill.

A few of my other favorite uses are:

– Dividing meat into freezable portions. Placing parchment paper between chicken, burgers, pork chops (you get the idea, also works great for freezing cookie dough), this makes separating so much easier.

-Covering dishes in the microwave. Years ago we stopped using paper towels and using parchment paper to cover dishes in the microwave cuts down on splatter messes.

-Snack Cones are perfect for serving anything from popcorn to french fries. Simply cut parchment paper into 10×10 squares and roll into cones. Use tape or stapler to secure (I found hot glue doesn’t hold).

-Reheating pizza, placing a piece of parchment paper under your slice of pizza before microwaving helps keep a crispy crust.

-Mess free dinner with parchment paper pouches, a easy way to cook chicken or fish. Rip a large piece of parchment paper, fold in half and cut into a half circle. (I made mine with squash, chicken and tomatoes.) Crinkle up the sides to make your pouch and to keep all liquids inside. Bake, serve, and save time on your clean up!

As you can see the sky’s the limit with the uses of parchment paper and with Boolik Easy Roll you have 42 square feet to work with. This is a 100% risk free purchase and Boolik will give you a full refund if it does not meet your demands. But trust me your going to love Boolik Easy Roll Parchment Paper as much as I do.

14
Aug
2016

Zoku The Art of Slush Recipe Book and Slush & Shake Maker

categories: Reviews

After spending weeks stuck under a heat dome with record breaking temperatures, I know everyone is looking for fun ways to cool down. So when I got the chance to try a Slush and Shake Maker along with The Art of Slush Recipe Book by Zoku I knew it was just what I needed on these hot days.

About Zoku

Zoku is known for their housewares and prides themselves on making family memories around their products. Zoku has Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker, Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books.

“The team at Zoku was inspired to start a Slushy Revolution. In our desire to live heathier and eat mindfully,we noticed that slushies (and slushy makers) had been left behind in the shuffle-sure they came in various colors and flavors, but they have certainly never been categorized as gourmet or healthy. Thats why we’re so excited to share these delicious, wholesome recipes for the Zoku Slush and Shake Maker with you.”

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This Mamas Experience

Once I received my Slush and Shake Maker I hand washed the inner core, made sure it was completely dry and then placed it upright in my freezer over night (recommended 8-18 hours). This gave me time to go through The Art of Slush recipe book to try and pick a recipe.

The Art of Slush begins with a fun intro starting with the History of Slush and some fun facts including the quickest way to relieve brain freeze ( placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth to warm the palate). The intro will help you choose your sweeteners, dairy, fruit and gives you lots of tips such as adding alcohol for adult drinks. Then it moves to the good stuff, the recipes! With 22 Slushy Recipes, 12 Milkshake Recipes and 8 Smoothie Recipes your going to have a hard time just picking one. So instead I picked one of each.

I decided to start with a smoothie for breakfast, so I chose the Mango Lassi on pages 88-89 in The Art of Slush Recipe Book.

Mango Lassi

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Chopped Mango, peeled and pitted ripe mango (approximately 2 mangoes)

1 cup Greek Yogurt

1/3 cup half and half

optional: light agave nectar, to taste (I didn’t feel it was necessary)

Directions: Puree the mango, yogurt and half and half in a blender. Taste and add agave nectar, if needed; blend again. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker; Stir until think.

The Mango Lassi was a perfect start to my day, I was easily able to cut the recipe in half. Although the inside of the cup looks small don’t let this fool you. The Slush and Shake Maker is a generous portion for one person (but lets be honest as a mom nothing is just for me and I shared my breakfast with my one year old). The inner core is super easy to wash dry and place back in the freezer while I picked out my next recipe.

I love everything coffee so my next recipe to try is the Vietnamese Iced Coffee Slush on pages 46-47.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee Slush

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 cups filtered water

3/4 cup dark roast coffee

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions: Bring the water to a boil in medium-sized saucepan. Add the coffee, stir to incorporate, and let steep 5 minutes. Strain the coffee through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a clean container. Stain again if you see any coffee grounds in the coffee. Cool, then refrigerate until cold, about a hour. Whisk in the condensed milk. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker; stir until think.

This is by far my favorite recipe, it has changed my whole outlook on iced coffee. I did cut this recipe in half (which is probably for the better because I could have easily enjoyed the whole recipe by myself). The hardest part of this cold coffee recipe is waiting for it to turn slush.

The third recipe it I chose was the Cookies & Cream Milkshake on pages 52-53

Cookies & Cream Milkshake

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 cup vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup whole milk

optional: 2 tablespoons cookie butter

1/2 cup chopped Oreo cookies (approximately 5 cookies), divided

garnish: 2 Oreo cookies

Directions: Puree the ice cream, milk, and cookie butter if using. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker and add one-half of the chopped Oreos to each maker; stir until thick. Garnish with an Oreo.

Once again I did cut this recipe in half. I love that I am able to make a dessert for one and not have a ton left over. My milkshake for one was a perfect cool treat on a hot day. Every recipe I tried was super easy and very tasty. Maybe I will get adventurous and try and make my own recipe next time.

31
Jul
2016

Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company

categories: Reviews

Have you heard of Bumbini? If you haven’t discovered Bumbini yet then you were missing out. Bumbini online cloth diaper boutique is based in Ottawa and sells throughout Canada and the US. They have the knowledge and resources to help anyone interested in discovering how amazing cloth diapering can be. They carry a wide variety different styles to suit every budget. They believe in all the diapers and accessories they carry and let me tell you they carry everything!

Not sure if cloth diapering is for you? Bumbini not only has a Newborn Rental Program but they also have a Diaper Trial Program. The newborn rental program is perfect if you want to cloth diaper from birth but you don’t want to invest in a whole newborn stash that will only be used for a short period of time. When they say “try all the diapers” they aren’t kidding! The diaper trial program allows you to try tons of brands and styles . This way you can get a feel for what works best for you and your baby. Unfortunately these programs are only offered to Canadian residents, hopefully one day they will be able to offer these to the US as well. Not only can Bumbini get you started with these incredible programs, but they also have amazing workshops to help you learn all that you need to know. If you live in Canada you can attend these free workshops in person. If getting to a workshop location isn’t a option, then Bumbini offers an Online Cloth Diaper Workshop. Make sure to check their blog to read helpful tips, new product information and more.

Are you expecting? Bumbini has a gift registry option making it so easy for you to build a registry and easy for friends and family to shop from it. Why didn’t I know about this when I was pregnant? Had I used a Bumbini registry I would have been able to pick from so many brands. I feel that people who weren’t familiar with cloth diapers (thinking it’s still flats, diaper pins and rubber pants) would have been introduced to the beauty of modern cloth diapers.

Bumbini has everything you will need for cloth diapering all the way through potty training. Not only the diapers themselves but pail liners, wet bags, sprayers, diaper repair kits, laundry detergents, nursing pads and skin care for mama and baby – making Bumbini your one stop shop. Bumbini makes it easy to get everything you need; they even have a amazing reward program where you earn 2 points for every dollar spent. You can also earn extra points by submitting product reviews (50 points per review!). You can use points toward free items on their website.

You can’t help but feel the love from Bumbini. They are there to support their customers, and they encourage you to contact them with any questions. Bumbini even offers Skype consultations -you just need to email then to set a time that works for you. They pride themselves on their customer service and they work extremely hard to make sure are happy with your purchase and with cloth diapering experience.

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Bumbini gave me the opportunity to review a Bummis AIO diaper as well as a Bummis One-size Swim diaper, just two of the many diapers they carry.

Bummis All In One

This is the first time I am trying a All in One diaper and I must say I love how simple Bummis AIO is. This diaper is perfect for babysitters, grandparents and anyone new to cloth diapering since it takes all the guess work out. Bummis AIO ready to go straight from the dryer, or in my case straight from the clothes line. There is no matching inserts to diaper, making diaper laundry even easier for my husband (yes I know how lucky I am to have a husband that isn’t afraid of diaper laundry). The inside of the diaper does have a pocket like sleeve allowing you to either lay the attached insert on top of the pocket putting the stay dry fabric next to babies skin or tuck it into the pocket leaving the organic cotton next to the skin. Right now I just lay the insert inside of the diaper. This saves me the step of stuffing before using and un-stuffing before washing. The option of un- stuffing the attached insert is one of my favorite features since I choose to line dry my diapers, being able to un-stuff the tongue of the diaper speeds up drying time (drying is one of the main reasons why I was always afraid to try a AIO) .

Bummis AIO is a very trim diaper, fitting 8-35 pounds. With four different rise sizing options and nice leg and back elastics you can easily customize the fit to your baby . My only complaint is that there is only 2 rows of rise snaps. I tend to get a bulge in the middle that I feel a third row would prevent this. As my baby grows this will be less of a problem since we wont need to keep the diaper snapped to such a small size.

Can we talk about how cute these patterns are. I was instantly drawn to Vinyl Records since not only does my husband have quit the collection of records, he loves to share his love of music with our daughter.

Bummis One Size Swim Diaper

Even the families that don’t cloth diaper (I know, it’s hard to believe that there are still non cloth diapering families) have a need for a reusable cloth swim diaper. Bummis one-size swim diaper is our go to this summer, and since it fits 10-35 pounds it will be used for the next couple years. With double gusset leg elastics, 4 rise sizing options and 6 waist snaps you will easily get a great fit. I feel a swim diaper that snaps on is 100% necessary because let’s face it once the your baby gets into the water trying to slide a wet diaper off (god forbid it contains poop) is nearly impossible. Bummis one-size swim diaper is specially engineered to hold solids in but allow liquids to pass through. The inside lining is made of super soft polyester making this not only comfortable for baby but extremely easy to clean. Bummis swim diaper is perfect for swim lessons, public pools and back yard fun!

Bummis AIO and Bummis One Size Swim Diaper are both available at Bumbini.

30
Jul
2016

Baby Banz

categories: Reviews

Now that summer is here you understand the need to protect our children from the suns ultraviolet rays. UVA can cause premature aging, wrinkling and can be a cause of skin cancer while UVB is much more dangerous and is a major cause of sun burning, skin cancers and cataracts. So as I started our summer, I knew I needed to protect my babies sensitive skin with sun block, UV clothing and sunhats. So while scouring the internet for these items I found Baby Banz.

About Banz

Baby Banz Inc. started with one Australian dad trying to find proper eye protection for his infant which lead him to the development of Baby Banz sunglasses. Baby Banz didn’t stop at sunglasses, they have everything to keep your child safe in the sun.

“In an ever deteriorating UV climate, Baby Banz continues its journey, striving to preserve the sensitive eyes and precious skin of generations of little ones to come.”

Keeping your child’s safety in mind Banz has UV clothing, UV protective hats, eye wear including sunglasses, swim goggles, clear safety glasses and ski goggles as well as hearing protection for infants and kids. Banz also provides a easy to read size chart making it simple to order the right size.

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Babybanz Eye Wear

It wasn’t until I found Banz did I realize that Baby Banz sunglasses weren’t just a cute fashionable accessory. Baby Banz cover your infant or toddlers eyes and protects them from harmful UV rays. What I didn’t know was that until the approximate age of 8 or 9 a child has no filters in the eye to block out UV light. Here’s the scary part, if you are just using tinted eye wear for your child you could be doing more harm by allowing the iris of the eye to open and let more UV light into the eye.

Baby and Kidz Banz lenses offer 100% UV protection and reduces sun glare. The frames not only come in a wide variety of colors they are made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate. Baby Banz have a velcro elastic adjustable strap making sizing easy and helps keep eye wear in place. I love that the neoprene straps are easy to clean and float in water!

“Often imitated, but never duplicated”

Baby and Kidz Banz can be fitted for prescription lenses, you just need to take your Banz frames to your optician.

I have found that it’s easier to get my daughter to wear her Baby Banz once we are already outside. Trying to put them on her while in the house doesn’t seem to work and I think that’s because it makes the room to dark. After having them on for a minute she seems to forget she is wearing them.

I myself have light blue eyes and always have sunglasses on even on cloudy days so it’s easy for me to remember to make sure the my daughter has her eye wear on especially now that I know how important it is that she wear sunglasses.

Earbanz Hearing Protection

I have used Earbanz more than I ever thought I would this summer. I placed my order to make sure that I had them for the 4th of July weekend knowing that we wanted to hit that parade as well as fireworks. I failed to have hearing protection for the Memorial Day parade thinking that I could just use my hands to cover my daughter’s ears. Luckily it wasn’t a very loud parade because she was not having it with my hands over her ears. I knew the 4th of July parade would be much louder with the whole beginning of the parade being emergency vehicles blaring their sirens and flashing their lights, and flags flying, however, that will not be loud unless there are new loud flagpoles for sale out there, I highly doubt it though. While we waited on the parade route my husband and I were exchanging glances at each other wondering if she would keep her Earbanz on or if we would be making a mad dash to the car. As the sirens got closer I placed the Earbanz on her and I’m not going to lie her first reaction was to pull them off. As the line of fire trucks and ambulances reached us she no longer fussed with her hearing protection, I feel she knew why we had them on her. Earbanz are so light and comfortable after a minute she didn’t even remember she had them on.

Earbanz are perfect for any loud or noisy activity such as concerts,sporting events, air shows (have you seen the recent photos of Prince George wearing Earbanz at the worlds largest military air show). I have a friend who’s child has sensory sensitivities and Earbanz are literally a life saver for them in any noisy situation. I even saw a picture of a mom with her sleeping baby wearing Earbanz at a wedding out on the dance floor.

Earbanz will lower the noise level while still allowing your child to hear. The ear pieces are made of soft leather like cushions and the inside is foam. They can be adjusted to fit securely over your child’s ears and with a nice padded headband. Earbanz come in 2 sizes Earbanz mini is perfect for infants to 2 years. The Earbanz mini fit my one year old perfectly and she has lots of room to grow. They also have Earbanz Kidz that fit 2 years and up. Earbanz come in so many colors and designs you will have a hard time picking a pair. Even better you can get a set with not only the Earbanz but you get a matching pair of Baby Banz sunglasses.

Reversible UV Bucket Hat

Banz has your child covered from head to toe, keeping them protected from the sun and not only keeping them cool but looking cool. I love that the Reversible UV Bucket Hat not only comes in Baby (0-2 years old) but also Kids sizing (2-5 years old). With a ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+ and will block out more than 97.5% of UVA and UVB Rays. We all know how sensitive our scalp can be to the sun and how it’s nearly impossible to apply sunscreen, keeping covered with a hat is a must. Banz bucket hats are made of a poly blend which keeps your child’s head cool under this breathable material. The bucket hats have a velcro closure on the brim of the hat making getting a great fit easy and allowing the hat to grow with your child. The Reversible UV Bucket Hat is perfect for poolside or at the beach since not only does it keep your child’s head covered while shading their face it also drys quickly if it gets wet. Banz Bucket Hats come in so many colors and designs I love that you can coordinate them with Banz sunglasses.

11
Jul
2016

Calm Color Create

categories: Reviews

Have you jumped on board with the adult coloring book trend? Well thanks to my mom and brother I found myself eyeing coloring books as well as coloring pens, markers, pencils and everything coloring related. There is nothing better than zoning out with my colored pencils and a black and white pages just waiting for a splash of color. It takes me back to my childhood where I could spend hours coloring. Now it helps me relax and take a step away from reality and just focus on what color I will be placing where. Redan Publishing has just come out with a adult special interest coloring magazine that is perfect for those of us that love the coloring craze. Calm Color Create is a 64 page magazine filled with patterns and mandalas on one page and a small starter image on the other page to let your creativity go wild and doodle your own picture. Although this is labeled a adult coloring book I feel that a subscription would be perfect for a preteen or young adult who loves coloring. I would have loved this at the age of 12, because let’s face it I thought it was cool to get mail and was always looking for a way to use my creativity.

About Redan

Redan is known for their fun educational magazines for kids. They are jammed packed with stories, games and puzzles that will keep your children entertained for hours. Redan helps give your child a head start in early learning skills with help from their favorite characters such as Peppa Pig, Scooby-Doo, Thomas & Friends and Marvel Spider-Man to name just a few. Redan is excited to introduce their newest magazine Calm Color Create, a coloring magazine geared towards adults.

Calm Color Create has 64 pages of intricate coloring spreads, designed to help focus the mind and aid relaxation. The coloring book is filled with sophisticated designs, bespoke patterns, mandalas and tangles. Each issue has a strong theme and perforated pages in order for the colorists to easily remove their masterpieces.

You will also find a new feature section within Calm Color Create, offering tips and techniques, craft projects and a gallery showcasing the colorists wonderful finished coloring pages.

Calm Color Create can offer a form of escapism, where one can shed the stress and worries of daily life.

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My experience

I can’t tell you how excited I was when I opened my mail box to find my Calm Color Create magazine. I eagerly flipped through the pages trying to decide which page I would fill with color first. I can’t help but to get creatively inspired by the exotic patterns that fill the pages. Calm Color Create subscription is 1 year and is 6 issues delivered right to my doorstep. I can color right in the book or easily rip out each page with their perforated pages. I enjoy spending my down time relaxing over a black and white image waiting for me to add color or I can get creative and doodle on the starter image on the other page. Each magazine has a fun distinct theme and no two pages are the same.

With the stress of everyday life it is so nice to have a easy way to relax, where my toughest decision is what color to us next. Do yourself a favor and step away from reality and into the would of adult coloring with Calm Color Create. If stress is really taking its toll on your everyday life, why not think about combining it with some alternative medicines like CBD to bring you that calm you need, you can get info about it on sites like cannaunion.com, don’t feel like you are alone in this. Please discuss this with your doctor first as they can better advise you on if this can work for you and your stress. If you are able to, you may want to look at some MagicalButter discount codes so you are able to save money and relax at the same time.

04
Jul
2016

Zoku Tumbler & Dino Pop Mold Review

categories: Reviews

Now that summer is upon us I try to be outside with my daughter as much as possible. Keeping myself as well as her hydrated is so important. Zoku has not only helped with that they have made it so much fun. Zoku is known for their housewares and prides themselves on making family memories around their products. Zoku has Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker (where was this when I was pregnant and all I wanted was slushies), Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books. I am going to review the Pop & Ice Molds as well as the Travel Tumblers in this article.

Dino Pop Molds

I was so excited when I received the Dino Pop Molds. Now that my daughter is almost one I want introduce her to everything I remember about being a kid in the summer. I love that with the Pop & Ice Molds I get to decide what is in them and can keep my recipes baby friendly. The pop and Ice Molds are so simple and easy to use, it’s a perfect activity for your kids to help out with. The Pop and Ice Molds make 6 different molds and I love the little details down to the unique handles. Each handle and a symbol to mach to the corresponding mold. These are perfect size, especially for smaller children. They come in fun designs such as fish, polar and space molds.

Make sure you check out the Recipe Blog on the Zoku website or get creative and make your own. Here’s the recipe I created for my daughter.

Baby Friendly Strawberry Peach Pop

1/4 of a Peach cut into very small chunks

3 Strawberries cut into very small chunks

1/2 cup Peach and Mango Coconut water

1/2 cup water

Mix Coconut water and water in a measuring cup. Divide evenly among your Pop & Ice Mold just under the fill line. Add pieces of Strawberry and Peach to your already filled molds. Insert handles and freeze for 8 hours. Un-Mold and enjoy.

Travel Tumbler

With the weather being nice we are often on the go and the travel tumbler makes it easy to take my water with me. The sleek design fits perfectly in any cup holder, from my car to the stroller. I love the double walled design that keeps condensation from forming on the outside of the cup as well as keeps my drink cold (and if your like me and always have cold hands you will appreciate that you don’t have to hold onto a cold cup). The tumblers come with a hard plastic straw and a silicone rimed press-fit lid. The silicone seals helps keep spills from happening and with my independent 11 month old always grabbing for my drink a secure lid is necessary. The travel tumbler is 16 fluid ounces, has 5 bright colors to choose from and is easily hand washable.

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27
Jun
2016

Bun Maternity Review

categories: Reviews

There is nothing I cherish more than the bond I have made with my baby while nursing. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and challenging thing I have ever done in my life. I remember when I was pregnant setting my breastfeeding goals, as a first time mom I was setting goals for something I was so unfamiliar with. I was naive about so much in the beginning, I started my breastfeeding journey with 2 nursing bras and 2 nursing tank tops thinking this was all I needed. I learned extremely fast that this was nowhere near what I needed to be successful in my goal of breastfeeding until my daughter was at least the age of one. I wore those two tank tops to death. Just the tank, tank top and cardigan and my everyday go to is the two top layer. You know what I’m talking about, nursing tank top layered another shirt on top. This was my favorite since I felt very comfortable nursing in public because I was covered. Well that was great through the winter, but now it’s 80 degrees outside and I’m either lugging around a infant carrier and diaper bag or chasing after my 11 month old, the last thing I want is multiple layers on. At this point in time my nursing tops aren’t really nursing tops, they are regular shirts that I have tried to make work. So I have been on the hunt for nursing tops that are fashionable and cute. I mean let’s be honest, it’s rare that I get to wear non-nursing clothes these days. If I don’t have my baby with me, I will likely need to pump. So even my work clothes need to be nursing friendly. So I went shopping, and every shopping trip ended in disappointment. No one has nursing tops and if they do they have one or two options and they are your typical “nursing” top. You know the ones with the big slit under the bust and scream “this is a nursing top”. So I took my shopping online, that when I found Bum Maternity. Finally nursing tops that don’t look like nursing tops! Not only that but I wish I had found Bun Maternity while I was pregnant because all these tops work as both maternity clothes as well as nursing.

About Bun Maternity

Bun is more than awesome nursing apparel. Bun Maternity is about supporting breastfeeding and a woman’s right to feed her baby anytime and anywhere. Even though normalizing breastfeeding in our society may be challenging, the more that women can feel comfortable nursing in the open helps to spread an awareness of the natural benefits of mind, body, and soul that breastfeeding offers. So feed when you need and wear Bun proud!

This paragraph right here hit all the “feelings” for me. It made me proud to be a nursing mom and it made me proud that I am able to support such a amazing company. I love their drive to empower women to not be ashamed of feeding their babies and to make them comfortable and stylish while doing so. Bun Maternity is locally made in the U.S.A and is made with U.S.A. knitted fabrics. The quality of their clothing says it all, with their super soft fabric and versatile designs. Bun has put so much thought into their designs that they start as maternity tops and transition into nursing tops. They cover every fashion need with their beautiful Tank Tops, T-Shirts, Dresses, Ponchos and Hoodies (Yes hoodies, I have never seen a nursing hoodie and I can tell you from experience that unless you want to wear your husband’s over-sized hoodie you won’t be able to comfortably nurse in your pre-pregnancy fitted hoodies). Bun has all aspects for motherhood covered while being able to incorporate breastfeeding seamlessly into your everyday life.

This Mamas Experience

I was so excited the day I received my Bun order. Finally, real nursing tops; why had I waited so long? The first top I wore was the Swing Top, on a beautiful 80 degree day. Talk about comfortable, it is made of the softest cotton and is so light and airy. The Swing Top is not clingy and has lots of movement, making it a perfect option for a hot day. I got so many complements, you should have seen the their faces when I excitedly said it was a nursing top. I love that the Swing Top has easy side access, I was able to discreetly breastfeed at a graduation party. You can easily dress this top up with a bold necklace and dress slacks, making this a perfect for work or a night out. I do love this as one of my work tops since it makes pumping at work easier.

Although I don’t dress up often, and I’m most comfortable in jeans and Chuck Taylors; Buns signature nursing tank spoke to me the most. These tank tops most resemble my pre-baby wardrobe and they make me feel connected to the old me. I love that they come in over 15 different colors (although I seem to gravitate to the dark grays and blacks, maybe one day I will be bold enough to wear a bright blue). The signature tank is super soft and is made of a “bounce back” rib material. This tank has convenient snap down straps with a built in under panel to keep you covered while breastfeeding. Although this is my ideal everyday casual top you can easily dress this up and wear it under and button up shirt or even just under a blazer. It is long in the torso which I love and is perfect if you are wearing as a maternity top.

I also have the Cozy Up Nursing Poncho. The name says it all, it is so cozy; it makes you want to snuggle your baby all day. This poncho is light enough that you can layer it and is perfect on a cool day. It is wrinkle free making it ideal to travel with. I can’t wait to take to take this on vacation with us to the smoky mountains where the temperature can drop in the evenings, I picture myself on a rocking chair in the middle of a forest cuddling with my baby. The Cozy Up Nursing Poncho has a flattering cut making it look great on all body shapes. You simply lift the top layer for nursing making this a very modest choice if you are at all nervous about breastfeeding in public.

I used the size chart to determine what to order. The size chart tells you to go with your truest size, so if your a medium at other stores go with a medium. Bun Maternity tanks are made of super stretchy material, making them perfect through the mid-stage of pregnancy and especially as your body changes after baby. I personally love that the underlayer is not a built in bra, as although they are easier to wear and breastfeed with, nursing tank tops with built in bras can be less comfortable. I feel that no built in bra helps with the fit and makes their clothing so much more comfortable.

I encourage anyone who is starting off their breastfeeding journey to do it right; get yourself the tools you need to be successful. The best thing you can do is get yourself clothes that not only make you look and feel good, they make breastfeeding easier. Breastfeeding can be so challenging on its own, don’t let improper clothing be a road block.

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“Wear Bun Maternity apparel anytime and anywhere…through all stages…and even long after you are done with pregnancy and nursing”.

Please know that you are by law allowed to feed your child anywhere whether it be public or private.

23
Jun
2016

Geffen Fitted Cloth Diaper Review

categories: Reviews

If you cloth diaper you know the struggle of the night time diaper. We spent many nights trying different options trying to figure out what worked best for us. Since my daughter was 4 weeks old our perfect night time diaper was a prefold and a super absorber insert. Well that has worked flawlessly up until now. My sweet 10 month old no longer will lay still long enough for me to get the prefold fastened. I feel sometimes it would be easier to diaper a alligator doing a death roll than it is to get a prefold on my fast moving baby. Geffens Fitted diapers have come to my rescue. I get the absorption of my prefold and it’s as easy to put on as a regular diaper.

About Geffen

Geffen baby is a company that prides themselves on being involved in every step of the manufacturing process. Starting as a Los Angeles based textile manufacturing company they saw the need for natural baby products. Geffen Baby has improved their fabric by adding more hemp, making their fabric more durable and absorbent with 60% hemp and 40% organic cotton. Geffen is proud to say that 95% of their products are made in the USA. They try to be as organic as possible in every aspect from manufacturing to their packaging. Geffen Baby makes everything including Flats, Fitteds, Prefolds, Absorbers, Cloth Wipes and Nursing Pads. You won’t ever want to try another brand once you feel how soft their fabric is.

This Mamas Experience

I love the Geffen Fitteds for more than just my night time diaper. We use them as our everyday diaper and love that we are able to reuse our covers and just change the fitted, making them much more cost efficient than AIOs or pocket diapers. I love that I can add extra absorption by layering with a quick or super absorber insert, which is what we do at night since my baby sleeps 10 hours without waking. We do use a snappy to secure our Fitteds although it is not necessary, they do require a cover to be waterproof. Prepping is easy, just wash and dry at least 3 times although they will continue to gain absorbency through 8-10 washes. The Fitteds come in four sizes fitting from preemie to 30+ pounds. I find myself reaching for my fitted diapers over any other diaper.

Once you try Geffen Baby products you will be confident that your baby is as comfortable as possible in a diaper.

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07
Jun
2016

First Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm Review

categories: Reviews

As a parent, I would do anything to make sure that not only is my child safe but that I take the steps to make sure my husband and I are safe as well. So while I do things on the daily to keep us safe, some are easier than others. When we moved into our new house I noticed that smoke alarms were installed. I was glad about this, as I had made it really clear to my husband that I would not be moving into a home that didn’t have any smoke detectors. I knew someone who did that once, and they were lucky that they weren’t at home when their house caught on fire, as because there wasn’t a smoke alarm, no one found out about it until it was too late. That is why I like to make sure that our house, and future homes have access to these critical devices. I also ensure that I take the time to get in touch with a professional company like Aardvark Electric (Click here to contact them) to get them to come and test it when it’s required, as this way I will know for sure if it is working or if it needs replacing. When I do this, I feel like I am in full control over the safety of myself and my loved ones.

One thing that I wasn’t best pleased about was the fact that we had a smoke detector but not a carbon monoxide detector in the house. My smoke detectors do not detect carbon monoxide, so getting a carbon monoxide detector was high on my to-do list. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is nearly impossible to identify without a proper detector. Carbon monoxide is the single largest cause of accidental poisoning. The CDC reports that over 15,000 people each year are treated in emergency rooms for non-fire-related carbon Monoxide exposures.

Initially, my plan was to rent a gas detector from a Gas Monitor Rental service. However, I soon realized I would rather buy one because I will need it for a long time. When I purchased it, I was unsure where to install it, even though the instruction manual had specific instructions on where to place it. I was so confused that I ended up calling my local Fire Department to ask. Most important is to place a detector near bedrooms (if you only have one in the house make sure it’s near where you sleep). It’s a good idea to have a detector on every floor of your house as well as one close to the garage door if you have an attached garage. At the same time, you may want to make sure that your garage doors are working as they should just in case you need to open them for an emergency situation. For example, if you live in Annapolis, MD you should contact ADP for all your garage door needs, or somewhere similar depending on your problem. When you do this, you can get two jobs done in one, so your safety and security are only going to be increased as a result. My fire marshal suggested to try and place your detector between knee and chest level, making sure not to cover your detector with furniture or curtains.

This Mamas Experience

The First Alert 10-Year Alarm Life Carbon Monoxide Detector contains a sealed non- replaceable battery making it so easy to use. The user manual goes into great detail explaining where to install, how to install and even has a wall mounting guide template (I feel this was made for me since the thought of unnecessary holes in my wall keeps me up at night). The First Alert Carbon Monoxide detector can not only be mounted on the wall it can be placed on a tabletop. Getting your alarm ready to use is easy, once you switch your alarm on it cannot be turned off. Once your alarm has reached its end of life (10 years) you will have to break the tab and slide the switch to deactivate mode. Once it has been deactivated it cannot be reactivated. Your alarm will chirp to let you know that you have activated it correctly.

Make sure you test your alarm weekly and make sure everyone in your house knows your “emergency plan”. As a child, I remember my father teaching my brother and I about our “safe plan”. In case our fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarm would sound we knew to immediately get outside and to our safe meeting place. Make sure your “safe place” is far enough away from your house in case of fire and to keep a safe distance from emergency vehicles. Make sure everyone in your household knows where your safe place is, in the event that your family gets separated while evacuating; it will also help in knowing that everyone has safely made it out. When testing your alarm have your children help so they are familiar with the sound and be sure they know to never ignore your carbon monoxide alarm when it sounds.

Keeping your family safe is important and First Alert 10- Year Alarm Life Carbon Monoxide Detector makes it easy. Although you should not fully rely on it to always be working efficiently, just like a light bulb it can run out of power or decrease in efficiency, so to combat this making sure that you have a house inspector to check over this amongst other elements in your house would be a great idea to keep your home safe. You can get a Home inspection Austin, TX, Orlando, FL, and pretty much anywhere so make sure that you are taking advantage of this safety feature for your home.

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